ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (June 24, 2019) — In 2018, it was reported that approximately 550 people were experiencing homelessness each night in the Quad Cities. Christian Care, similar to other shelters, works hard to provide adequate shelter, but also consistently sees more people in need of help. In response to this problem, Christian Care is adding a new dorm to their facility which will include 6 new beds for homeless men in the community.
“I just want more people to get help,” said Frank Roe, Executive Director of Christian Care, as he led the organization’s Board through a strategic planning process. A key realization from these discussions was that Christian Care could better utilize its space to open this new dorm.
The dorm is scheduled to be opened on June 30, if all goes according to plan. Thanks to grant-funding from the Scott County Regional Authority, the cost to Christian Care is minimal but the impact could be far-reaching: these beds will help provide an additional 2190 nights of shelter every year.
“I want to relieve the pressure,” Roe said, “of uncertainty that comes with not having a permanent residence, or food to eat. I want to eliminate the barriers of housing-insecurity so we can focus on providing services they need to get back on track.
Since 1916, Christian Care has provided safe shelter, food, clothing, and other supportive services to men experiencing homelessness in our community and is the only homeless men’s shelter in the Illinois Quad Cities. The mission of Christian Care is to empower the homeless to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives.
